Flamengo Advances to Round of 16 in Copa do Brasil Sub-20 After Defeating Vasco on Penalties

Flamengo has advanced to the Round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil Sub-20 after a thrilling derby encounter with Vasco on Thursday evening at Estádio Luso Brasileiro. The Red-Black drew 2-2 in normal time before converting their nerve in the penalty shootout, securing progression to the next phase. Joshua and Josmar scored Flamengo's goals.

Two-time world champions and Libertadores winners in the U-20 category, Flamengo continues their pursuit of an elusive Copa do Brasil Sub-20 title—the only domestic prize still missing from the club's youth academy honours. Vasco, current Brazilian champions in the category, provided the opposition in the second phase, contested in a one-legged tie.

The Match

The derby opened with intensity and physicality, both sides creating chances. In the 37th minute of the opening half, Andrey Fernandes gave Vasco the lead.

After the interval, Flamengo launched their comeback. In the ninth minute, Dieguinho was brought down in the penalty area. Joshua stepped up and levelled matters from the spot.

Matheus Sanches / @clickmj

The turnaround came three minutes later, in the 16th minute. A cross from the right by Sayago found Josmar, the number 9, who finished cleanly. The striker's goal extended his tally to 18 for the season, further cementing his position as the leading scorer.

In the 25th minute, during an attacking passage for Flamengo, Joshua was struck across the face and Riquelme Avellar was sent off. Despite operating with a numerical disadvantage, Vasco levelled again in the 35th minute through Andrey Fernandes once more, sending the contest to penalties.

In the shootout, Flamengo converted four spot-kicks while Vasco squandered their first two attempts and scored three. Joshua, once again, took responsibility by striking the decisive penalty for the Red-Black, confirming the Garotos do Ninho's passage to the Round of 16.

After the match, the author of the two crucial penalties underlined the importance of remaining grounded as Flamengo pursue an unprecedented trophy.

"We're delighted with qualification, but we know there's still a long road ahead. We'll continue with humility, work even harder in the next matches, stay united and focused to chase this historic title for Flamengo."

Matheus Sanches / @clickmj

The identity of Flamengo's last-16 opponent will be determined upon completion of the second phase fixtures. Matchups will be determined by overall standings, with the 16th-placed side facing the first, the 15th meeting the second, and so on. Flamengo closed this phase on four points from one win and one draw, with a positive goal difference of six.

Flamengo

Leo Nannetti; Diego Guimarães, João Victor, Diego Queiroz (Enzo Pinheiro) and Ítalo (Gustavo Ramires); Lucas Falcone and Rogério Araujo (Gabriel Amâncio); Jefinho Vinicius (Gabriel Amâncio), Joshua and Sayago (Pablo Lúcio); Josmar (Juliano).

Matheus Sanches / @clickmj

Manager: Marcelo Salazar

Vasco

Phillipe Gabriel; Lucas Melim (Luis Felipe), Wanyson, Bruno André (Breno Sales) and Avellar; Samuel, Gustavo Guimarães (Diego Minete) and Zuccarello; Andrey Fernandes, Juninho (Alison) and Bruno Lopes (Bernardo Manes).

Manager: Matheus Curopos.

Upcoming Fixture

Flamengo's U-20 side returns to action on Sunday (11th) against Vasco at 16:30 in the 10th round of the 2026 Taça Guanabara Sub-20. The match will take place at Estádio Nivaldo Pereira in Nova Iguaçu.

Match Statistics

Flamengo 2 (4) vs (3) 2 Vasco – Copa do Brasil Sub-20 2026, Second Phase

Venue: Estádio Luso Brasileiro – Rio de Janeiro, RJ

Date and Time: 08/10/2026, 15:00

Referee: Harrison Lucas dos Santos Rosa (RJ), Pedro Alves Soares (RJ), Yhago Vieira Mendes Vila Nova (RJ) and Bruno Rezende de Lima (RJ).

Yellow Cards: Gabriel Guimarães (VAS), Andrey Fernandes (VAS), Diego Queiroz (FLA), Phillipe Gabriel (VAS), Sayago (FLA), Bruno Lopes (VAS), Wanyson (VAS) and Samuel (VAS).

Red Card: Riquelme Avellar (VAS).

Goalscorers: Andrey Fernandes (37' 1st half), Joshua (11' 2nd half), Josmar (16' 2nd half), Andrey Fernandes (35' 2nd half).